Lucknow Super Giants have suffered a major blow ahead of IPL 2026 as Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the season. The franchise is expected to name a replacement within the next couple of days, with director of cricket Tom Moody confirming the update during Lucknow’s away fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Hasaranga ruled out; Lucknow to name a replacement soon
- Wanindu Hasaranga has been declared unavailable for the ongoing IPL 2026 campaign, leaving Lucknow to search for a like-for-like option.
- Moody delivered the confirmation in the lead-up to or during Lucknow’s match against KKR in Kolkata, stating that the team will “announce a replacement” within 24 to 48 hours.
- Reports suggest South Africa left-arm spinner George Linde—who has not yet appeared in the league—could be the front-runner to fill the vacancy as Lucknow’s replacement.
- Moody indicated Lucknow are already preparing for the likelihood that Hasaranga will not be able to join the squad, and that contingency planning is underway to finalise the incoming player.
Hasaranga has been sidelined since February after suffering a left hamstring tear. The injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s opening match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and it has kept him away from competitive action since then.
Earlier, it was also reported that Hasaranga had not completed the mandatory fitness assessments under Sri Lanka Cricket’s supervision. That fitness requirement was understood to be necessary for obtaining an NOC (No Objection Certificate) to take part in the IPL.
Lucknow had secured Hasaranga for INR 2 crore in the most recent auction. However, the injury prevented him from joining the team’s playing group.
Hasaranga’s IPL background includes a stint with Rajasthan Royals last season. Before that, he represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2021 through 2023.
LSG vs KKR: Lucknow chase 182 to win on the final ball
In Thursday’s contest, Lucknow Super Giants edged past Kolkata Knight Riders by three wickets in a tense finish at Eden Gardens, successfully chasing 182 in IPL 2026.
The chase was anchored by half-century knocks from Ayush Badoni (54) and Mukul Choudhary (54*). Choudhary’s late acceleration proved decisive, with the final-over execution sealing the victory.
CricViz highlighted a notable stat from the innings: the unbeaten 54-run partnership between Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan was the highest for the eighth wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase.
Within that stand, Mukul contributed 52 of the runs, while Avesh supported with 1* off 3 deliveries from the other end, ensuring the target was reached under pressure.
Earlier in the match, KKR posted 181/4. Ajinkya Rahane made 41 and Angkrish Raghuvanshi scored 45, while Rovman Powell and Cameron Green provided a late surge that helped Kolkata reach a competitive total. Despite disciplined bowling spells from KKR, Lucknow managed to hold their nerve and complete a dramatic win.
